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Rabbits and children? Allergic to hay or buns?

22 11:33:01

Question
I got 2 baby buns about a week ago. Ever since my son and I have been sneezing and itching our faces and also have red, itchy eyes. Could it possibly be the Timothy hay? I know they make Timothy hay pellets, but don't they need the hay for digestion because of the texture, length,etc. of real hay? I hate to have to find new homes for them. I can deal with the allergies, but my 8 month old son can't. Any suggestions? Please I am desperate!!! Rabbits fed on an all pellet diet have poor health, correct? Is there anyway to subsitute with greens, veggies, etc or is that too much for their systems? Thanks so so much in advance.  Laura, Jacob & the Netherland Dwarf "Jet" & the mini-rex "Chsrmin"

Answer
You could be allergic to the rabbits.  Or, you could be allergic to the hay.  

You might see if you can get ahold of coastal hay, which is sold for horses at feed stores, and see if either of you has less issues.

If not, then you are allergic to the bunnies.

There are people who are allergic to rabbits who live with them (me included), and there are some things you can do.  You can read this article, it has some good suggestions.  http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-12/allergies.html

Rabbits really do need some type of hay, it's the fibre in their diets and they need it to keep their intestinal tracts moving properly.  That can be alfalfa, timothy, coastal, or orchard grass, as long as it's hay.  And yes, rabbits on an all-pellet diet tend to get too fat and have health issues.

If they are babies, they are really too young to do the all veggie diet.  You might check out www.rabbit.org and look at the FAQ on diet to see what might work, once you determine what is causing you both to be ill.

Good luck, and I hope it works out.

Kim